System and method of controlling operation of a liquid diffusion appliance

ABSTRACT

A method and system of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The appliance may be programmed to operate according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance. Anti-fatigue schemes may provide variation of the flow rate or periodic operation of the appliance. Initiation controls schemes may be used to start treatment of the space before the appliance is programmed to operate according to one of the control schemes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods ofcontrolling operation of a liquid diffusion device.

BACKGROUND

In existing scent and liquid diffusion devices, a variety of approachesto controlling the operation or output of the devices are currentlyused. However, these conventional approaches tend to be sub-optimal withregard to initiating treatment of a space with a liquid or scentcompound, and do not take into account fatigue or resistance by users oroccupiers of the space. Existing approaches also do not take intoaccount operational characteristics of the diffusion devices indetermining when, for how long and at what speed to operate theapparatus.

Conventional controls for dispersal of liquid within a space may includesensors at locations spaced-apart from the diffusion device. However,providing connectivity between the sensor and the diffusion device mayadd undesirable complexity to an installation and may not be appropriatein situations where permanent or persistent mounting of the diffusiondevice is not desired or possible.

With liquid diffusion devices that are configured to disperse very smallparticles of liquid, for example, in the micron or sub-micron sizerange, it may be desirable to allow previously dispersed particles todecay or be removed from the air within a treated space before addingmore particles to the space. If the rate is diffusion within the spaceis greater than the rate of decay, the concentration of the liquidwithin the treated space will trend upwards instead of remaining withina desired range of concentration.

Improvements to the conventional approaches to control and operation ofliquid diffusion devices are desirable.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods ofcontrolling operation of a liquid diffusion device. In particular, thepresent invention relates to approaches to controlling speed andduration of the operation of a diffusion appliance and when thediffusion appliance should be operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. A brief description of the figures is asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a space to be treated by a diffusedliquid and a liquid diffusion appliance positioned within the space.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid diffusion appliance accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of the liquid diffusion appliance of FIG.2 with a cover removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a liquiddiffusing appliance according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the liquid diffusion appliance of FIG.3, with a front cover removed.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating operational characteristics of controlschemes for diffusing a liquid by a liquid diffusing appliance accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating the time cycle between time on and timeoff of the control schemes of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating the calculated duty cycle of the controlschemes of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating the liquid output of an applianceoperating under the control schemes of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating the expected cartridge life for anappliance operating under the controls schemes of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an enclosed space including a pluralityof liquid diffusion appliances according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an enclosed space with airdistribution ductwork and a liquid diffusion appliance according to thepresent disclosure mounted in the ductwork.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of enclosed spaces, eachwith a liquid diffusion appliance according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentinvention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a space or room 50 into which it is desired todisperse a liquid for treating the air or other objects within space 50and an appliance 52 configured to disperse such a liquid. Space 50 ispreferably at least semi-enclosed, so that the treatment liquid may beretained within the space to have the desired effect. A completelysealed space is not necessary and it is anticipated that spaces withopen entrances and exits may be suitable for treatment according to thepresent disclosure. For example, a hotel lobby, a building foyer, and acasino floor may have entrances and exits for people accessing the spaceand may be treated according to the present disclosure. An open airpavilion or an outdoor stadium may be examples of less suitable spacesfor treatment according to the present disclosure, as the turnover orexchange of the atmosphere within the space may not permit adequatedwell time for the treatment liquid to accomplish the desired treatmentgoals. However, it is anticipated that certain types of liquid andtreatment regimes may permit use of an appliance according to thepresent disclosure in these spaces.

While appliance 52 is shown within space 50, it is anticipated that theappliance need not be physically located within the space. It isnecessary that appliance 52 be in fluid communication with space 50 toachieve the treatment of space 50 with airborne diffused liquids, asdescribed herein.

FIGS. 2 and 2 a illustrate a liquid diffusion appliance 100 according tothe present disclosure with a cartridge 102 for holding a liquid 104 tobe diffused or dispersed within an enclosed space. Appliance 100 mayalso include a controller 106 which may bed mounted on-board orintegrated into appliance 100 as shown. Alternatively, controller 106may be mounted near to or on an exterior of appliance 100 but notincorporated into appliance 100. As a further alternative, controller106 could be remotely located and connected to appliance 100 permittingremote control and operation of appliance 100. It is anticipated thatmore than one appliance may be controlled by the same controller 106 andthat the multiple appliances may be mounted in the same or differentspaces to be treated.

FIGS. 3 and 3 a illustrate an alternative embodiment of a liquiddiffusion appliance 150 according to the present disclosure with acartridge 152 for holding liquid 104 to be diffused or dispersed withinan enclosed space. Appliance 150 is similar in operation and function toappliance 100. In the following discussion of elements of appliance 100,it is intended that where appropriate the same discussion may be appliedto appliance 150.

A source 108 of pressurized gas may also be provided within appliance100. Source 108 may be an on-board compressor, as shown in FIG. 3, ormay be a connection to an external compressor or other mechanical gaspressurizing device, as indicated by a gas conduit 54 in FIG. 1. Source108 may also be a pre-compressed source which needs to be periodicallyrefilled or recharged to a desired pressure.

As is known in conventional liquid diffusion devices, the pressurizedgas may serve to draw liquid 104 into a venturi and then separate liquid104 into smaller particles suitable for airborne dispersion out ofappliance 100 into the space to be treated.

Liquid 104 may be a scent to provide a particularly desired odor withinthe space, such as a pleasing smell in a crowded administrative area.Such odors or scents may be selected from aromatherapy selections toencourage desirable responses among the users of the space to be treatedor based on other desired atmospheric conditioning.

Alternatively, liquid 104 may be selected from one of a variety of knownaerosol disinfectants or other bio-technical treatment options forproviding a desired biological response within the space. Examples ofthis may be a disinfectant to clear or treat an area of known orsuspected pathogens.

Regardless of the nature of the liquid being dispersed within a space,and purpose for which the liquid is being dispersed, for the purposes ofthis disclosure, it will be assumed that there is a desired density ofthe liquid to be achieved within the space. This desired density mayalso be a range of densities, based on the effect sought within thespace.

Within appliance 100, cartridge 102 may incorporate a diffusion meanssuch as a venturi in fluid communication with liquid 104 and throughwhich pressurized gas from source 108 is configured to flow. Flow of gasthrough the venturi creates a vacuum to draw liquid 104 into the venturiand propel the diffused liquid from the venturi and out of appliance 100into space 50. Alternatively, the diffusion means may be a separatecomponent within or mounted adjacent to appliance 100 and notincorporated directly into cartridge 102. It is anticipated that otherdiffusion means may be used to separate liquid 104 into suitably smallparticles and disperse the particles into space 50. Preferably, theparticle size generated by appliance 100 will be approximately in themicron range or smaller. Particles in this size range tend to remain issuspension within the air of the enclosed space until they contact anobject, to which they then adhere. The rate of exchange of the airwithin the treated space will also have an impact on the dwell time thatthese micron or sub-micron sized particles of liquid have within theenclosed space to be treated.

FIG. 4 illustrates a chart of settings to control the operation ofappliance 100 to disperse a desired amount of liquid 104 into space 50.Each horizontal line in the chart represents a control scheme 110 forcontrolling the operation of appliance 100, defining timing of operationof the diffusion means within the appliance and a flow rate of liquid104 into the diffusion means and into space 50. Each control scheme may,for example, be associated with a particular numerical dial setting orother selectable setting 111 of controller 106, and in turn, eachsetting 111 may be defined as suitable for a particular volume 54 ofspace 50 in which appliance 100 is placed. A standard association ofsettings 111 to room size or volume 54 may be maintained if thecharacteristics of liquid 104 are kept consistent despite any differentscents or other effects associated with the liquid. If this is done,then for any given room size and for any given liquid, the same settingof controller 106 can be used and liquids may be changed without theneed to adjust controller 106.

Alternatively, an equivalents table may be supplied with a cartridge 102including a liquid 104 which has significantly different characteristicsfrom a standard or normal liquid. Such a table might be used to providerevised space volumes 54 associated with the respective settings 111 ofcontroller 106. In the chart of FIG. 4, a total of forty-eight controlschemes 110 associated forty-eight distinct settings 111 of controller106 are shown. More or fewer settings and/or control schemes 110 may beprovided in such a chart or in controller 106 within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

For each control scheme 110, a speed setting 112 sets the rate of liquidflow through the appliance when the diffusion means is operating. A timeon duration 114 and a time off duration 116 are combined to derive aduty cycle 118, which is the percentage of time that the diffusion meansis operating. In most installations, it may be desirable to not have thediffusion means constantly operating, so that the duty cycle 118 maypreferably be less than one. Based on the rate of exchange in theenclosed space, it may be desirable to have appliance cycle on and offto permit particles already dispersed within the space to decay. Onlywhen the rate of dispersion (based on the speed and timing of operationof appliance 100) is balanced with the rate of decay can theconcentration of particles within the enclosed space be controlledwithin desired limits. Once approach to balancing the dispersion anddecay is to cycle the operation of appliance 100 on and off, asindicated in FIG. 4.

An added benefit of cycling operation of appliance 100 on and off, theconcentration of liquid within the enclosed space may be allowed tofluctuate within a range of concentrations. Such a fluctuation may aidin the prevention of scent fatigue or olfactory adaptation that maydeaden the ability of persons within the space to perceive the desiredaffect of the liquid diffused.

It may also be desirable to have a flow rate for each scheme be neitherclose to the maximum possible flow rate nor close to the minimum flowrate. The speed setting 112 is shown as a percentage of maximum for thediffusion means. Speed setting 112 may be kept within a range of valuesthat corresponds to a preferred or optimal range of values for theoperational characteristics of a particular diffusion means. Forexample, if the diffusion means works most efficiently between 40% and65% of maximum operational speed, speed setting may be limited to valuesin this range. For a diffusion means that incorporates a venturi, theflow rate of the liquid may be directly related to the speed or volumeof gas that is feed from source 108 through the venturi. In the chart ofFIG. 4, the speed setting is expressed as a percentage of the maximumflow available from gas source 108.

Within the different control schemes 110 of FIG. 4, a step wise approachmay be indicated in the setting of flow rate or speed. For example, afirst group of speed settings from control schemes 110 numbered from 1to 6, may include the same speed setting 112 corresponding to a desiredpercentage of maximum gas flow rate. To accommodate different spacevolumes with the different schemes, the duty cycle for the differentschemes may be changed. A higher percentage of time-on duration at thesame flow rate or speed setting will permit treatment of a larger volumespace before the flow rate needs to be altered. In the example ofcontrol schemes 1 to 6, treatment of spaces from 80 cubic feet up to 480cubic feet may be accomplished with the same flow rate and differentduty cycles.

Note that control schemes 42 to 47 include duty cycles of 100% and thenvary the flow rate. These settings are for situations where continuousdiffusion of liquid 104 is desired or required or when diffusion iscontrolled along with the air room ventilation rate. As can be seen in acolumn 120 labeled Cartridge Life, there is a distinctly greater demandfor liquid at these diffusion operation levels and cartridges will haveto be changed more often to maintain these levels of treatment. It isanticipated that these control schemes are to be used only in specialcircumstances and will not be commonly used control schemes.

FIGS. 5 to 8 include charts to illustrate different characteristics ofcontrol schemes 110 of the chart of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows in graphicalform the amount of time on duration and the amount of time off durationfor each of the settings of the chart of FIG. 4. Corresponding to thediscussion above, the settings beyond 41 are not shown as those settings42 47 correspond to fully on operation with varying flow levels.

FIG. 6 illustrates the duty cycle derived from the time on and time offvalues of FIGS. 4 and 5, and shows the duty cycle of settings 42 to 47as 100%. FIG. 7 illustrates a continuous flow rate 122 for each setting111 and a corresponding average output 124, taking into account the flowrate 122 and the duty cycle 118 for each setting. FIG. 8 illustrates theimpact that each setting will have upon the expected life 120 of acartridge 104 used in appliance 100 and operating in accordance with oneof the control schemes 110.

The relationships and graphs illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8 relate to aparticular appliance 100 with a particular cartridge 102 having aparticular capacity and containing liquid 104 having common diffusioncharacteristics. The parameters for each setting may be changed oradapted to accommodate desired flow rates or treatment characteristics,or to accommodate different sizes of configurations of spaces to betreated. The numbers associated with each setting are intended to beillustrative only and are not intended to limit the present disclosureto any particular configuration or appliance or space or parameters ofoperation.

When treatment of the atmosphere within a space is initiated, it may bedesirable to provide a more rapid buildup to a desired level orconcentration of treatment and then have the appliance transition into asteady-state or maintenance operation. There may be several approachesto accomplishing this sort of rapid build up within the scope of thepresent disclosure. One of these approaches is to provide for a 100%duty cycle operation for a set period of time to be associated with eachof the control schemes. As each control scheme is designated for aparticular volume or shape of space, the duration of the 100% duty cyclefor each setting could be selected to correspond to that particularspace while maintaining the flow rate specified for the associatedcontrol scheme. Upon completion of the initiation phase, the appliancewould switch to functioning according to the selected control scheme.Similarly, instead of a 100% duty cycle, an increased duty cycle ofgreater than that specified for a control setting but less than 100% maybe used in the initiation phase for that control scheme.

Alternatively, the duty cycle of the setting could be maintained and thecontrol scheme could be associated with a greater flow rate during theinitiation phase. For example, referring to FIG. 4, setting 5 mightincrease the flow rate from 40% to 65% during initiation. Afterinitiation, the flow rate could be reduced to the 40% normally specifiedfor the control scheme associated with setting 5.

Some combination of flow rate and duty cycle enhancement may also beused to define an initiation phase, and the initiation phase associatedwith different control schemes may have different approaches to the useof increased duty cycle or increased flow rate or the combinationthereof.

As a further alternative, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more atmosphericsensors 70 may be included within space 50 and may be used to determinewhen to exit the initiation phase and move to operation under theselected control scheme for space 50. In such a configuration, insteadof having the initiation phase extend for a set period of time, theinitiation phase can be ended with the desired amount of concentrationof liquid is in the atmosphere of the space. Of course, a combination ofsensing a concentration and operation in the initiation phase for a setperiod of time may be used as well. Sensor(s) 70 can be used tooverride/adjust operational parameters of appliance 52. Different typeof sensors 70 can be used as well. By way of example and not limited tothese, a sensor 70 may used which detects the concentration of one ormore of the chemical components of the liquid or a different sensor 70may measure carbon dioxide within space 50 as a way of estimating thenumber of people are in the room. The outputs of such sensors may thenbe used to alter the operational parameters of the appliance to addressthe situation within space 50. Different levels of activity within thesame space may demand operational parameters different from those basedon a predetermined average level of activity within the space.

Sensors 70 may be used to alter the operation of appliance 52 based onthe conditions within space 50. The alteration to the operation may beto select a different control scheme where the first control scheme usedis selected based on the size of the space and the second control schemeis selected based also on the activity within the space. As noted above,the sensor may be used to determine when to transition from a start-upmode of operation to operation under one of the other control schemes.The sensor may be used to determine when an anti-fatigue scheme hasachieved the desired alteration of the level of treatment within thespace and thus when to return to operation of the appliance according toa different control scheme.

As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of appliances 52 may be used to treatspace 50 and the individual appliances could be controlled centrally forcoordinated operation by a central controller 56. Alternatively, each ofthe appliances could be controlled by a local or dedicated controller,such as controller 106, and operate independently from the otherappliances treating the same space. Central controller 56, or individualcontrollers 106, may operate the connected appliance(s) 52 according tocontrol schemes and variations described herein. As a furtheralternative, one or a plurality of sensors 70 may be used to alter theoperation of the appliances 52 from the control schemes, as describedherein. Thus, larger or irregularly shaped spaces, or spaces which mayhave varying amounts of air exchange or activity generating the need fortreatment in different areas, can be effectively and efficiently treatedusing appliances according to the present disclosure.

Because appliances such as appliance 52 may be used to treat largerspaces, it may be desirable to have an auxiliary fan to aid in thedistribution of the liquid diffused by the appliance throughout thespace 50. An example of an auxiliary fan 72 for aiding distribution maybe a HVAC fan that is part of a forced air heating or coolinginstallation, such as shown in FIG. 10. Appliance 52 may be positionedwithin or positioned to diffuse liquid into a supply duct 74 of such aninstallation and the diffused liquid may be dispersed throughout space50 whenever fan 72 is operating. In this type of installation, theoperation of the auxiliary fan may not controlled by or dependent on theoperation of the appliance.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, appliance 52 may be installedadjacent a dedicated auxiliary fan 72 to aid in the dispersal of thediffused liquid. In this alternative installation or configuration,auxiliary fan 72 may be controlled in conjunction with the operation ofthe appliance. Thus, auxiliary fan 72 would only be operated incoordination with liquid diffusion. Auxiliary fan 72 may operatesimultaneously with the appliance, may be offset to come on afterdiffusion has begun and stay after diffusion has been completed for theon portion of the control scheme, or operated in some other arrangementrelative to the on portion of the control scheme.

A plurality of appliances 52 may be positioned to each treat a pluralityof similarly sized and/or configured spaces, such as banquet rooms,meeting rooms, offices, hotel rooms, etc., such as shown in FIG. 11. Fortreatment of such similar spaces 50, central controller 54 could be usedto operate all of the appliances 52 jointly. As an example, theseappliances could be connected to a common compressed gas supply 108 andcentral controller 56 could operate the supply to control diffusion ofthe liquid from each appliance simultaneously. Or, each appliance 52could include an independent source of compressed gas, such as anon-board compressor, and central controller 54 could control the supplyof power to each of the compressors to control diffusion. In addition,each of these appliances 52 could be located with respect to anauxiliary fan 72 to aid in the dispersion of the liquid being diffusedby each appliance.

People who are in the space being treated may become less sensitive tothe treatment in the atmosphere of the space or may be fatigued and nolonger notice the treatment. This is a common phenomenon, particularlywith regard to scents or aromas used to treat the atmosphere, and it maybe desirable to provide some degree of variability in the concentrationof liquid 104 in the atmosphere. Variations in the concentration aboveand below the desired level of concentration at some intervals may beused to combat the onset of fatigue to the treatment and enhance theeffectiveness of the treatment at the desired level.

In the context of the present disclosure, such anti-fatigue variationsmay be provided by one or more temporary alterations to the selectedcontrol scheme. A first approach might be to reduce the duty cycle to 0%for a set period of time, so that the concentration with the space isallowed to drop below the desired level. At the end of this time, theduty cycle may be returned to the specified value for the control schemeand the concentration allowed to build back to the desired level.Similarly, while decreases in concentration may be more desirable oreffective in combating fatigue, the duty cycle might be increased for aperiod of time above the duty cycle specified for the control scheme toprovide an increased concentration in the space. After the period oftime, the duty cycle may be reduced to the specified duty cycle of thecontrol scheme and the concentration in the space permitted to return tothe desired level.

Alternatively, the flow rate could be reduced below the flow rate of thecontrol scheme to reduce the concentration in the space, or increasedabove the flow rate of the control scheme to increase the concentrationin the space. The alterations to flow rate could be maintained for aperiod of time and then allowed to return to the flow rate specified forthe selected control scheme. A combination of variation of flow rate andduty cycle may be used to accomplish the variation in concentration withthe space.

The interval between anti-fatigue variations in the operation of theappliance may be fixed by a particular anti-fatigue scheme, or may berandomly variable. A particular anti-fatigue variation scheme may beassociated with each control scheme setting of the appliance or a commonanti-fatigue variation scheme may be incorporated for use with allsettings of the appliance. A fixed anti-fatigue scheme may includevariation of the flow rate at certain predetermined intervals, variationin operation of the diffusion means at certain predetermined intervals,or a combination of varying the two parameters according topredetermined patterns. Alternatively, the variation of flow rate and/oroperation may be completely on a random basis, with all parameterssubject to variation according to a random scheme. This randomanti-fatigue scheme may be governed by certain constraints to ensurethat the concentration within the space does not exceed or go belowcertain desired levels.

It should be noted that the periodic operation of the diffusion meanswithin the control schemes according to the present disclosure provide adegree of anti-fatigue function. The periodic operation of the diffusionmeans will provide at least some degree of variation in theconcentration of liquid 104 within space 50 and this variability mayreduce the need or desirability of having a more distinct variation asmight be created by an anti-fatigue scheme according to the presentdisclosure.

As mentioned above, use of pauses or periods of non-operation within thecontrol schemes may provide variation on the concentration of liquidwithin a space that may aid in the avoidance or reduction of fatigue oradaptation. A length of pause may be selected to permits sufficientdecay to occur to drop the concentration to a lower level with thespace. When the pause is ended, the operation of appliance 100 bringsthe concentration back up to a higher level. Thus, the pauses inherentin the duty cycle may be used to provide an anti-fatigue effect as well.Even with the same specified duty cycle, the length of each pause may betailored to permit a greater or lesser degree of decay and thusreduction of concentration. For example, a 25% duty cycle may havepauses of three minutes and operation times of one minute. The samedevice programmed with pauses of forty-five minutes and operation timesof fifteen minutes will have the same calculated duty cycle but willpermit a greater degree of concentration variation within the space tothe be treated. The length of pause may be selected based on the natureof the liquid being diffused, the number and/or area of surfaces intowhich particles within the space may contact, and the rate ofatmospheric turnover within the space.

Much of the above discussion has suggested a longer term operation ofappliance 100 to provide a particular level or concentration of liquid104 within the atmosphere of the space. However, it is anticipated thatappliance 100 could also be configured to operate according to a controlscheme for a more discrete period of time or initiated on demand. Theoperation of appliance 100 might be initiated in reaction to an eventwithin the space and only operate for the expected duration needed torespond to the event. For example, if space 50 is a hotel lobby, andliquid 104 is a disinfecting agent, appliance 100 may be configured tofunction in the early morning hours to provide an effectiveconcentration of liquid 104 within space 50. This may be the time ofleast movement through the space and may ensure the most uniformtreatment of the atmosphere and surfaces within the space. Treatmentduring the day or in times of heavy traffic may not be as desirable oreffective. Alternatively, appliance 100 may be used to place aconcentration of a scent into a meeting room space in anticipation of ascheduled meeting but may not need operate during the meeting.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferredembodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intendedto be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Thus, it isrecognized that those skilled in the art will appreciate that certainsubstitutions, alterations, modifications, and omissions may be madewithout departing from the spirit or intent of the invention.Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only,the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents tothe subject matter of the invention, and should not limit the scope ofthe invention set forth in the following claims.

1. A method of controlling a liquid diffusion appliance comprising:providing an enclosed space to be treated by a liquid and with which theappliance is in fluid communication, the appliance including a reservoirof liquid and a means of diffusing the liquid into the air of the space;providing a plurality of control schemes for the appliance which basedon characteristics of the liquid and a level of treatment desired forthe space, each of the control schemes specifying operational parametersfor the appliance including a flow rate of liquid, and a periodic timingof operation of the diffusion means; providing the diffusion meansincluding a venturi in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir,and the venturi in fluid communication with a source of compressed gas,and wherein operation of the diffusion means comprises release of thepressurized gas into the venturi, the release of the gas into theventuri operating to draw liquid from the reservoir into the venturiwhere the liquid mixes with the gas at the desired flow rate and thendispersing the gas and liquid mixture into the space; determining avolume of the space to be treated; and selecting one of the controlschemes based on the volume of the space to be treated; operating theappliance based on the selected control scheme.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising; providing a plurality of initiation of treatmentschemes, each of these initiation schemes adapted to acceleratediffusion of liquid to the desired level of treatment in the space andeach initiation scheme associated with at least one of the controlschemes, each initiation scheme defining liquid flow rate and operationof the diffusion means; selecting the initiation scheme associated withthe selected control scheme; and operating the appliance based on theinitiation scheme before operating the appliance based on the controlscheme.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the controlschemes include an anti-fatigue scheme which includes a predeterminedperiodic variation in flow rate.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the control schemes include an anti-fatigue scheme whichincludes a predetermined periodic variation in operation of thediffusion means.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of thecontrol schemes include an anti-fatigue scheme which includes variationof the flow rate and operation of the diffusion means at predeterminedintervals.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the controlschemes include an anti-fatigue scheme which includes variation of theflow rate at random intervals.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the control schemes include an anti-fatigue scheme whichincludes variation of the operation of the diffusion means at randomintervals.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the controlschemes include an anti-fatigue scheme which includes variation of theflow rate and operation of the diffusion means at random intervals. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the flow rate for any of the plurality ofcontrol schemes is selected to permit intermittent operation of thediffusion means to provide the desired level of treatment within thespace.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a length of pause in theperiodic operation of the diffusion means for at least one of thecontrol schemes is selected to permit the level of treatment within thespace to drop below the desired level of treatment and a length ofoperation of the diffusion means is selected to return the level oftreatment to the desired level of treatment.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein a length of pause in the periodic operation of the diffusionmeans for at least one of the control schemes is selected so that thelevel of treatment within the space stays substantially constant andnear the desired level of treatment.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinthe source of pressurized gas is a compressor, and the operation of thediffusion means includes operating the compressor to release pressurizedgas to the venturi.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the compressoris incorporated into the appliance.
 14. The method of claim 1, whereinthe source of pressurized gas is a precompressed source and theoperation of the diffusion means includes permitting gas from theprecompressed source to flow into the venturi.
 15. The method of claim1, wherein the liquid in the reservoir is a scent.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the liquid in the reservoir is a disinfectant.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the liquid in the reservoir is abio-technical treatment.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing an atmospheric sensor positioned within the space operativelyconnected to the appliance; and adjusting the operational parameters ofthe appliance based on signals from the atmospheric sensor relating tothe desired level of treatment within the space.
 19. The method of claim1, further comprising a plurality of appliances treating the enclosedspace and operating each of the appliances according to the selectedcontrol scheme.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of appliances each positioned to treat a portion of theenclosed space, selecting a control scheme for each appliance based onthe portion of the enclosed space that appliance is treating, andoperating each appliance according to a control scheme selected for thatappliance.
 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofappliances treating a plurality of enclosed spaces and operating eachappliance based on the selected control scheme.
 22. The method of claim1, further comprising an auxiliary fan positioned to disperse the liquiddiffused by the appliance.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising operating the auxiliary fan in coordination of the operationof the appliance according to the selected control scheme.
 24. A systemfor treating an enclosed space with a liquid, the system comprising: anappliance with a diffusion means in fluid communication with the spaceand also connected to a liquid reservoir containing the liquid to bedispersed; the diffusion means including a venturi in fluidcommunication with the liquid reservoir, and the venturi in fluidcommunication with a source of compressed gas, and wherein operation ofthe diffusion means comprises release of the pressurized gas into theventuri, the release of the gas into the venturi operating to drawliquid from the reservoir into the venturi where the liquid mixes withthe gas at a desired flow rate and the dispersing the gas and liquidmixture into the space; and, a controller connected to the appliance,the controller including a plurality of control schemes for dispersionof the liquid into the space, each control scheme defining operationalparameters for the appliance including a periodic operation of thediffusion means and the flow rate of liquid from the reservoir throughthe diffusion means, each of the control schemes corresponding to aparticular volume within the space.
 25. The system of claim 24, furthercomprising each control scheme associated with an initiation controlscheme, the initiation control scheme defining a constant operation ofthe diffusion means at the flow rate of the associated control schemefor a fixed period of time, and wherein upon the selection of aninitiation function the appliance will diffuse the liquid according tothe initiation control scheme and then the appliance will diffuse liquidaccording to the selected control scheme.
 26. The system of claim 24,further comprising each control scheme associated with an anti-fatiguecontrol scheme, the anti-fatigue control scheme defining a variation inthe periodic operation of the diffusion means of the associated controlscheme at predetermined intervals.
 27. The system of claim 24, furthercomprising each control scheme associated with an anti-fatigue controlscheme, the anti-fatigue control scheme defining a variation in theperiodic operation of the diffusion means of the associated controlscheme at random intervals.
 28. The system of claim 24, furthercomprising each control scheme associated with an anti-fatigue controlscheme, the anti-fatigue control scheme defining a variation in the flowrate of the associated control scheme at predetermined intervals. 29.The system of claim 24, further comprising each control schemeassociated with an anti-fatigue control scheme, the anti-fatigue controlscheme defining a variation in the flow rate of the associated controlscheme at random intervals.
 30. The system of claim 24, furthercomprising: a sensor operatively connected to the controller, whereinthe controller may adjust the operational parameters of the appliancebased on signals from the sensor related to the conditions within thespace.
 31. The system of claim 24, further comprising a plurality ofappliances each operated by the controller.
 32. The system of claim 24,further comprising a plurality of appliances, each appliance operated byone of a plurality of controllers.
 33. The system of claim 24, furthercomprising an auxiliary fan positioned to disperse the liquid diffusedby the appliance into the enclosed space.